Valentine's Day events for kids

Think Valentine's Day is just for lovey dovey grownups? Think again! These cool Valentines' Day events for kids will keep 'em busy and entertained! Who can say no to cool crafts, anyhow? To make the day even more special, try the best desserts for kids in town, and warm up with some fun indoor activities. Love is in the air!

Valentine's Day events for kids

The Very Hungry Caterpillar was first released in 1969 and has sold over 41 million copies throughout the world. The story comes to life in this 60-minute stage show that adapts four of Eric Carle’s famous books: The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and features 75 puppets. All ages.

Visit CMA to create a handmade greeting card to mail to friends and loved ones. Rachel Rutstein (of Creative Kids Care) will be onsite for a workshop inspired by the theme "What does love mean to you?" The most special cards made will be considered for print by Creative Kids Care (all greeting card proceeds directly benefit CMA)! Ages 5 and up.

Celebrate Valentine's Day in style with a hearty brunch at Brother Jimmy's hosted by Brunch Baby, Brunch. With Broadway show Finding Neverland as a sponsor, there will be promo and ticket giveaways, music from their amazing soundtrack plus fun party favors at every table. Kiddos who love to dance will also rock out to the event's live DJ and might check out the craft table when it's time to chill out. Kids eat free, plus there are great cocktail specials for Mom and Dad—don't miss it! Call Brother Jimmy's at 212-673-6465 or email brunchbaby@brotherjimmys.com to reserve your seats. All ages.

Show your Valentine how much you love them by giving them sweet Valentine’s Day cookies! Kids decorate yummy cookies using sanding sugars, cookie icing and colorful sprinkles and fill a box to take home. All ages.

Stop by with the kiddos to visit the gorgeous blooms in the Tropical House and look for heart-shaped leaves! Then join Randy Brozen (a visiting artist and papermaker) to create lacy handmade paper and decorate it with flowers, ribbons and other items. Held at Wave Hill House.

Want to make lasting impression this Valentine's Day? Kids will love grossing their friends out with a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach named in their honor. Each cockroachey gift comes along with a certificate announcing that the critter has been named after them. P.S. Parents will have just as much fun getting in on the action—especially if it means getting to name one after your mother in law.

Celebrate Valentine's Day a day early at this cool annual fest in Central Park! You'll see ice-carving artists wielding electric chainsaws, chisels and picks as they transform blocks of ice (6,000 pounds, to be exact) into dazzling wintry sculptures inspired by some of the park's coolest features. Starting at dusk, the Mall area also turns into a silent disco. All ages.

Who doesn’t love a cup of the best hot cocoa in town? Little chocoholics and their parents can head over to this cool annual event for a unique take on the chocolaty beverage. City Bakery features a different flavor every day of the month, offering a range from caramel and Ecuadoran milk chocolate to banana peel and (score for the adults) bourbon hot chocolate. All ages.

The Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra, made up of talented youngsters between the ages of 11 and 18, provides the music, while your family chows down on a barbecue brunch from Blue Smoke. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. Proceeds from the event will go to the Jazz Standard Discovery Program and Spoons Across America. Doors open at 1pm. All ages.

Tots and their guardians are treated to a tour of the collections, a team activity and a crafting session. November’s theme is “Around the World,” in which kids explore how artists take inspiration from their surroundings. In December, kids will view work from artists who incorporate fantasy and magical themes, then discover the ways in which artists combine, transform and rearrange objects and ideas in January. In February, visit the “This Place” exhibition to learn about the connections between home and expression. Kids will observe symbols of powerful figures throughout history in March, explore ways in which artists gather ideas and inspiration from their communities in April and create wearable and usable art in May. Ages 4 to 7.